Right, what are we/you drinking now .. tonight

[Alex F]

Woods Crampton Eden Valley Shiraz 2014 - Beautiful and expressive nose, still very primary. Sweet, lifted florals, citrus, bit of volatility. Palate seems to have built weight since the last time. There is a lovely, stalky. savoury, edge that runs throughout and the wine is mouthfilling, some spice as well. Aftertaste of blackberry jam. Tannins are well integrated, they are fine, in the background, and alongside the acid lends the wine plenty of length and thrust. four and a half stars.

[Ian S]

One of my guilty pleasures - over-mature Nebbiolo, this time a 1974 Berteletti Gattinara. In this instance it's not the tannins, but the acidity that has kept this alive.

[Chuck]

JP Chenet XO Grand Noble Brandy (500ml). Never heard of it. From France I think. Bought this for a pudding from a major and decided to try it. Being a cognac lover I had low expectations but was very very impressed. A great spirit, dark, with good wood treatment and I'd be happy to serve this at a dinner party and see the reactions. I'm sure a good brandy balloon would add to it's appeal. Definitely not your average brandy. At $25 it's a steal.

[Mahmoud Ali]

It's much too early to open a 2010 Delas 'Seigneur de Maugiron' Cote-Rotie (13.5%) but it was a recent find at a local wine store. It is clearly a back vintage and seemed to have been on the shelf for some time, but it was only C$27, about half the price it should be, so I had to see if it was in good condition.

DelasMaugironCoteRotie2010.jpg

I opened the bottle an hour earlier but was too lazy to decant as we were watching a movie. It didn't get enough of an airing as the wine opened up and got better with time. By the last glass the nose had developed a sweaty and meaty character coupled with some dried flower notes. It is a medium-bodied wine, almost Burgundian in nature, but I sense it requires a bit more time as the palate seems poised on the cusp, between when it might have had more fruit and one that is now on the verge of developing tertiary notes. It has some nice savoury notes, fine tannins and a reasonably long presence. It is just that little bit reserved and it seems that a few more years might do the trick.

I think a few bottles need to be cellared and, at the price, another bottle needs to be drunk, with perhaps several hours in a decanter.

[Dang]

It was the wife's birthday and what better choice than the '99 Hill of Grace! Opened it for a 3 hour decant. The first whiff was a warning of what to serve, a nose full of charred meat with some charcuterie followed by dark berries, cedar and anise and this for the first hour of airing. Needless to say, the dinner followed the advice from the wine: a tomahawk quick fried and basted supported by a trimming of herb roasted potatoes and salad. What a wine when ready, leather and smoke galore and such a long and satisfying finish. And it was noted as an average vintage! Well worth the wait.

[mychurch]

96803866-14CD-41E7-9E24-4D1DBCDB6540.jpeg

i seem to be super sensitive to mouse taint in natural wines, but this Loire version from 2015 has no such problem. It is a bit Bretty, but that blows off and lovely red berry fruit emerges. It’s still a bit hard and primary and there are noticeable tannins in the finish, but it opens up well with some meaty tones developing. Left half the bottle for tomorrow and think it will bloom. From the Saumur-Champigny, 100% Cab Franc

[felixp21]

long weekend up at the Cathedral golf club, which, incidentally, is an absolute masterpiece from the Great White Sardine, easily the best Norman course I have played IMHO. The collection of par 3's are as good as anywhere in Australia outside of Royal Melbourne, incredible. Anyway, gave me a chance to bring up a few double magnums as there were twelve of us. Lots of other wines, but the DM's were the central to the weekend drinking.

2011 Chateau Roc de Cambes
from the Cotes de Bourg, where 2011 was a decent vintage. This is a belter from Mitjaville, full of blackberry and cassis in this early phase of it's development. Great length and complexity, a real crowd pleaser. 92pts drink anytime in the next 10 years.

2009 HdB Volnay Premier Cru "Santenots" elevage by Louis Jadot
drunk at the halfway house for lunch, this went down a treat with the BBQ prepared for us. So good and too easy to drink, but seemed to fire everyone up for the back nine that day. Bright red fruits, typical rounded Volnay, has a way to go, but lovely with the variety of meats on offer. 92pts drink: 2020-2030.

2006 Chateau le Tertre Roteboeuf
Francois Mitjaville's main wine, this St Emilion Grand Cru seems to over-deliver in average vintages, and the 2006 is absolutely no exception. Very similar to the Roc de Cambes above, but more of everything and a distinct anise top note. Merlot dominated, but the Cabernet Franc gives it wonderful drive and focus. So rich and long, this is the "modern" rendition of Bordeaux at it's absolute finest. A star. 96pts, drink: 2019-2030.

[Mike Hawkins]

Weekend dinner with a few friends....

1982 Taittinger Comte’s BdB.... smelled like a dead dog upon opening and initially tasted like sherry. After 1.5 hours this was absolutely sensational. All the dodgy flavours and smells dissipated. Lifted nose of coffee, caramel and violets with a mellifluous palate that went on and on. Excellent, excellent wine.

1990 Dom Perignon Oenotheque... as good as this is, I prefer good bottles of the original release. This would seem to have a slightly lower dosage than the original (I have no facts to back that up) and not quite as complex. Nevertheless, still an outstanding wine.

1999 LEAS Chardonnay... lots of tropical notes on both nose and palate. Oak has fully integrated and this has a really nice finish. Thoroughly enjoyable.

1982 Seppelts Show Sparkling ‘Burgundy’.... this is still so youthful, save for the giveaway colour. None of the earthy, mushroom notes I was expecting, just rich, vibrant fruit. A cracker.

1991 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz... I must have had this wine nearly 20 times, and this was close to the best yet. It’s my favourite BP vintage. Another than seems unusually youthful, with dominant notes of dark chocolate and plums. On this tasting, there is another decade of excellent drinking left.

[Willard]

Nice line up Mike, and a high hit rate! Thanks for the notes.

Cheers
Will

[phillisc]

Yes Mike, thanks for the BP note...have had 6 good bottles and have 6 left. Will hold out 18 months I think for a 30 year special.

Cheers Craig

[phillisc]

1998 Craiglee Shiraz, good level, perfect cork, still bright red. Opened with some savoury spice notes, some dark berry, typical Shiraz characters coming through, however, none of the famed white pepper. Soft and delicate on the palate with drying tannins that finished fine. Probably at its peak, but good bottles will hold a bit longer...yum!
Cheers craig

[Mike Hawkins]

1998 Craiglee Shiraz, good level, perfect cork, still bright red. Opened with some savoury spice notes, some dark berry, typical Shiraz characters coming through, however, none of the famed white pepper. Soft and delicate on the palate with drying tannins that finished fine. Probably at its peak, but good bottles will hold a bit longer...yum!
Cheers craig

Had the 1990two weeks ago and it was excellent.. definitely not on its last legs. Sadly my last bottle

[JamieBahrain]

Never been any pepper in the 98 - much to my dismay when it was released . Warm ripening season . Nice enough wine, though more a dry red experience than the lovely nuances of Craiglee I’ve come to love.

Still have magnums of the 98 and the 1990. Hoping to do one last vertical in HKG . I’m only a sporadic buyer now .

[Chuck]

Paritua Hawke's Bay 2015 Red Blend. Under cork and a fairly chunky bottle. Beats me why these heavy bottles are used. Majority merlot (around 60%) with more than a splash of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. A bit muted on opening but after a few hours it was drinking very nicely. Not normally a merlot fan the merlot was fully ripe with the cab and cab franc giving it a good tannin backbone that I need. Surprisingly approachable now I think it's got a long life ahead of it.

[felixp21]

big night Friday with lots of super-premium Aussie stuff.

2012 Cullens Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Vanya
This is the super-premium release from this winery, I think it was actually the first release of such. Smoky red and black fruits on the nose, with a distinct hint of violets. The palate reveals plenty of oak and graphite, cassis and raspberry. Extremely polished wine, as is the Cullen style. Admirable length, but all in all, pretty mundane. Not sure i would be able to pick it from the standard offering after a decade. 92pts, drink: now-2040+

2012 Wolf Blass "The Master" Pasquin Vineyard
A cab-shiraz blend, clearly with the Cabernet dominant. An absolutely huge wine, masses and masses of blackberry, plum, mulberry, anise and plenty of spice. Oak still there, but certainly not dominant in the Blass of yesteryear style. Excellent balance, in fact, and retains good focus and drive, despite the richness. Very long and fresh, very, very satisfying. Ridiculously heavy bottle and cringe-worthy, over-the-top packaging. 95pts drink: 2020-2040

2008 Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet
This vintage mainly from Coonawarra. Wow, what a contrast to the above wine. Again, massive wine, huge, with piles and piles of black fruit, coconut, mint chocolate and mocha. Coarse tannins and a slightly clipped finish. Too much oak, unbalanced and difficult to get thru the whole glass. Only bottle on the night not finished. Hopefully, time will be kind to this monstrosity. Points on potential. 89+ points. 2030-2050

2015 Penfolds Magill Cellar 3
Barossa Valley Shiraz, Coonawarra Cabernet. This is a private release wine, Penfolds sold barrels of this to private customers, the end product bottled at Magill Estate. Not available for public sale, but the cost works out to about $600/ bottle.
What struck me most was the incredibly high quality of the cabernet fruit, giving the wine a real lift, not dissimilar to the Wolf-Blass wine. Lots of Coonawarra mint clearly evident in this, superb complexity and length. Really much too young to drink, and even too young to assess, but certainly a massive step up from the 707... at not a lot more cost cost, it is twice the wine. 96pts drink: 2035-2050.

2002 Henschke Hill of Grace
Even at age 17, this is still jet black with the appearance of a barrel sample. The age is more obvious on the palate, where the tannins are only faintly detectable, with the wine having a wonderful rich and round mouthfeel. Just not the focus at the end that I would want to see, but the length is reasonable. Too much eucalyptus for my liking, but clearly very high quality fruit. I often wonder if HoG is really that much better then Mt Edelstone?
Probably in a bit of an awkward adolescent stage right now, so I am reluctant to be too hard on this wine. 92+ pts, drink 2025+

1996 Chris Ringland Shiraz "Three Rivers"
Big whiff of plums and raisins immediately made me somewhat wary. Sure enough, the palate revealed the same, a big, porty wine lacking freshness and drive. Blind, I would have sworn this was a Greenock Creek RR Shiraz. No doubt this wine would be paradise to many, as the fruit quality and purity are both exceptional, but it is a wine from a thankfully bygone era where picking half-dead fruit was all the rage. 86pts, drink: now.

1971 Penfolds Grange Hermitage
I purchased a case of this in 1982 for the vast sum of $39 a bottle. Well, it was then, as the current release was going for about $20 a bottle!! The second-to-last bottle, it's been lying in a dark cellar since that day. Sweet, dark plums, leather, grilled meat, a little anise, floral, incredibly complex, length to burn. I am not a massive Grange fan, and have not purchased any in a long, long time, but this wine made me yearn for the olden days It is probably just me, but I don't see the modern Granges as being in this class or quality. A stunner. 98pts drink: now

A great night, most of these wines are not the style I like to drink any more, but you certainly cannot dispute their quality (in general)

[felixp21]

oh, for what it's worth, the six of us did a group ranking:

1. Grange
2. Wolf Blass
3. Hill of Grace
4. Magill Cellar 3
5. Bin 707 (yes, I was drinking with Philistines )
6. Ringland
7. Vanya

[BHCC1]

Yes Felix, oh "for the old says". I similarly had a case of the 1971 Grange but unfortunately had the last of mine a couple of years ago. The thing about it is that (from memory) it was only 12.5% abv - such depth and complexity at, by today's standards,such low alcohol.

[Ian S]

Tonight a rather young, 2008 Ca' nova Montefico Barbaresco. Enjoyable enough but has the structure to still be improving a decade or more from now, and definitely opened too young in its life.

[JamieBahrain]

Couple of magnums in Adelaide last night

- 1990 St Hugo was a good expression of Coonawarra Cabernet within its limitations .

- 1997 Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock was softly aged and tamed . I know this wine well and it’s a little sad to see it in the shadow of what it was . Still excellent in its swan song .

[ticklenow1]

Couple of magnums in Adelaide last night

- 1990 St Hugo was a good expression of Coonawarra Cabernet within its limitations .

- 1997 Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock was softly aged and tamed . I know this wine well and it’s a little sad to see it in the shadow of what it was . Still excellent in its swan song .

Jamie,

Do you mean the '97 Jasper Hill is not as good as it once was, or that current vintages are inferior to days gone by?

Cheers
Ian

[JamieBahrain]

Gday Ian

The 97 was a powerhouse of a wine on release and I drank a fair bit of it over the years. It’s sliding down the maturation curve, still a lovely drink , though it doesn’t have the presence and power it once had.

Not sure how JH is these days. Great folks and I enjoyed being a customer in the 90’s . Their annual release night in MEL was always fun as was a cellar door visit

[kenzo]

2004 Barossa Estate E&# Black Pepper Sparkling Shiraz - rich, dark Barossa fruit balanced by a fine mousse, this showed like a young sparkling shiraz and I'm curious to see how it would develop with even more age and secondary characteristics. Not overly sweet like some cheaper sparkling shiraz can be, and with a very focused palate. The bottle disappeared very quickly with the group, and I'll be going back for more.

2015 Chateau Pegau Cuvee Setier Cotes du Rhone 2015 - savoury, earthy flavours with a ferrous note and some dark plum fruit undertones and a touch of pepper and bramble. Good tannic structure with just enough fruit to balance. Perhaps suffered after the (comparative) sweetness of the sparkling shiraz, but a good offering at the Cotes du Rhone level. Two of the group preferred the Domaine de la Janasse Terre d'Argile Cotes du Rhone 2016 drank a couple of nights before, with more sweet fruit combined with the typical Rhone characteristics, although it was at a slightly higher price point.

Donnafugata Ben Rye Passito di Pantelleria 2014 - the last half bottle from a trip to Italy a few years ago, this is always a crowd pleaser! Lovely orange peel and honeyed aromas, and in the mouth they come through with fruit nectar and a viscous sweetness that is not cloying, but in a balance with the acidity. Wish I had more of this!

[George Krashos]

Yes Mike, thanks for the BP note...have had 6 good bottles and have 6 left. Will hold out 18 months I think for a 30 year special.

Cheers Craig

I have one pristine, level has never budged, bottle left. I keep looking at it and expecting it to be corked when I finally crack it!

[Sean]

deleted

[Ozzie W]

2012 Best's Great Western Pinot Meunier Old Vines

[url=https://postimg.cc/sQQRmsgY][img]https://i.postimg.cc/sQQRmsgY/IMG-20190625-164052.jpg[/img][/url]

12.5% ABV

History in a bottle. From pre-phylloxera vines planted in 1868, which are now the oldest Pinot Meunier plantings anywhere on earth. My favourite wine from the Best's portfolio.

Intense and fresh glazed cherry, rhubarb fruit, charcuterie, earth, forest floor. Velvety tannins and vibrant acidity in perfect harmony. Long, dry finish.

This wine is still a baby and has a long way to go. I've previously had the pleasure of trying the 1992 and 1994 vintages at 22 years of age which were both fantastic. Under screwcap, this 2012 vintage certainly has the stuffing to go that distance and then some.

[Mahmoud Ali]

Nice note Ozzie, thanks.

I've has the pleasure of visiting Best's and was served by Viv Thompson at cellar door. When he heard that we were from Edmonton, Canada he said it was one of his major markets. He said he would be there later in the year and when we left presented us with a bottle of the 1997 Pinot Munier.

When he came to Edmonton we made sure to attend the wine dinner hosted by a local wine merchant in an Italian restaurant where he presented the 1998 vintage. Both the Bin 0 Shiraz and Cabernet were impressive as was his St Andrews Muscat. I still have the pinot munier and ponder about when to open it. Any ideas?

[sjw_11]

Realised I had not posted any tasting notes since March, so here is everything since then!

• 2012 Bodegas Elías Mora Toro Gran Elías Mora - Spain, Castilla y León, Toro (6/23/2019)
  Deep plum and red fruit on the nose, great complexity. Rich and balanced in the mouth. This is absolute benchmark Toro and very youthful for 6 years old- plenty of time ahead of it. (95 pts.)
• 2017 Can Sumoi Xarello - Spain, Catalunya, Penedès (6/21/2019)
  Nice richness, honeysucke, frangipani and apricot. Good balance. Will age for at least a couple of years. Good value. (89 pts.)
• 2005 Giacomo Borgogno & Figli Barolo Riserva - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (6/18/2019)
  Not particularly impressive on this showing. A little sweet and simple. (90 pts.)
• 2009 Peter Lehmann Shiraz Stonewell - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (6/18/2019)
  No real notes, opened after a few other wines. Classic rich, ripe Barossa Shiraz. Question mark whether it is over-ripe. With the screw cap it will certainly live a long time.
• 2016 Château Prieuré Sainte-Anne - France, Bordeaux, Côtes de Bordeaux (6/17/2019)
  100% merlot. Sweet juicy plummy fruit, fleshy mid palate and decent finish. Gentle velvety tannins. Mid term drinking future. (88 pts.)
• 2008 Bodegas Pintia Toro Pintia - Spain, Castilla y León, Toro (6/15/2019)
  Essence of Tempranillo, great depth. Very youthful. Needs a lot more time. Rich liquor plums and vanillin oak on the nose. Dark cherry and plum in the mouth. Dense chewy tannin on the finish. Very long life ahead. (94 pts.)
• 2012 Giovanni Chiappini Liena Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT (6/15/2019)
  Mid red in the glass, just a hint of browning. Red berries and tobacco leaf in the nose. Dark red fruit and very firm tannin in the mouth. Unfurls a bit on day 2 but this needs a lot more time to show its best. (92 pts.)
• 2016 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Santa Barbara County - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County (6/15/2019)
  Yellow in the glass, this has a classic large bodied Chardonnay nose of melon, cashew and toasty oak. Rich and full in the mouth with a pleasing finish. Nice wine. No rush to drink. (90 pts.)
• 2017 Forja del Salnés Rías Baixas Leirana Finca Genoveva - Spain, Galicia, Rías Baixas (6/8/2019)
  Small production Albariño with natural yeast fermentation. Really ripe and rich on the nose, a lot going on here - hints of apricot, frangipani, a touch of citrus. In the mouth it is viscous and rich. Starkly différent to some Albariño which is clean and crisp; this has another palate weight altogether. Serious wine and I suspect will be interesting over a number of years. (93 pts.)
• 2009 Mastinell Cava Cristina Gran Reserva Extra Brut - Spain, Cava (6/8/2019)
  Quite aldehydic, lots of yeasty notes and complexity. Some would not like the style, but it works for me. Complex and rich on the palate. Quite broad and shows the aging. Drink now. (88 pts.)
• 2017 Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons - France, Burgundy, Chablis, Chablis 1er Cru (6/1/2019)
  Yellow/green in the glass. Crisp nose, cut citrus and hints of grapefruit. Great purity and depth. In the mouth there is bright acidity and lovely balance- very crisp fruit and a pleasingly long finish. Really good juice, and I suspect this could be rather nice in a couple of years although it drinks very well now with seafood. (93 pts.)
• 2010 Bodegas Baigorri Rioja Reserva - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alavesa, Rioja (5/31/2019)
  Classically sweet fruited rioja. Ripe red berries, vanilla oak. Sweet cherry coke finish on the palate. Good balance but a little simple perhaps. No rush to drink. (87 pts.)
• 2014 Hacienda Solano Ribera del Duero Viñas Viejas - Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero (5/30/2019)
  Ripe black currant and vanilla on the nose. Slightly clipped palate. Falls a bit flat on the second day. Grippy tannins. Nice enough albeit not particularly memorable. (88 pts.)
• 2016 Bodegas Montebaco Ribera del Duero Montebaco Crianza - Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero (5/28/2019)
  Nice fresh ripe red fruits. Medium bodied. Good acid and grip in the mouth. Fleshy, persistent finish. Nice easy drinker. (87 pts.)
• 2018 Els Vinyerons Vin Naturals Xarello Penedès Lluerna 15/16 - Spain, Catalunya, Penedès (5/28/2019)
  Bizarre pink/grey colour. Natural wine, no sulphur added. Sharp, angular nose. Some cut citrus, not very expressive. The palate is a bit short with jutting acidity, and notes of bruised apple. Not convincing. (85 pts.)
• 2015 Oller del Mas Pla de Bages Especial Picapoll Negre - Spain, Catalunya, Pla de Bages (5/27/2019)
  Very pale red. Pinot like in it’s lifted red berries, sap and spice. Light bodied but quite fragrant on the palate. Juicy, long finish. Nice acid balance. No tannins to speak of. Fascinating wine, new variety for me. (90 pts.)
• 2014 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Riserva Ovello - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco (5/18/2019)
  Juicy, feminine nose- lots of sweet floral notes and fresh red berries. Great purity and depth of expression. On the palate this is quite approachable opening with sweet and sour red fruits and closing with firm but manageable tannins. Drinkable now, perhaps surprisingly so, but I suspect much better in a few years. (92 pts.)
• 2013 Fattoria La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (5/13/2019)
  Mid red, perhaps just a hint of brown. Gentle, unassertive but pure nose of red cherry, spice and a hint of undergrowth. Quite youthful in the mouth- lots of bright red fruits and good acidity. Finishes long and smooth with restrained fuzzy tannins. No rush to drink, but looks pretty smart right now. (92 pts.)
• 2016 Louis Latour Chardonnay Ardèche - France, Rhône, Ardèche (5/13/2019)
  Quite fresh. Citrus, round melon, a bit of peach. Smooth palate. Balanced acidity. Good value. (87 pts.)
• 2016 Jean Rijckaert Pouilly-Fuissé La Roche Vieilles Vignes - France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Pouilly-Fuissé (5/12/2019)
  Mid yellow in colour. Slightly sharp on the nose, revealing some cut citrus, melon and stone fruit with air. Angular mouth feel, smooth peach and apricot notes, finishing a touch short. Doesn’t really do it for me but others may prefer. Drink sooner than later. (87 pts.)
• 2016 Domenico Clerico Barbera d'Alba Trevigne - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba (5/10/2019)
  Bright red mulberry and cherry on the nose. Sweet fruit and a touch of herbs on the palate entry. Black currant pastilles, good length and acidity. Gentle furry tannin on the close. Delicious now, but I suspect it could show interesting development over another year or two. (88 pts.)
• 2017 Livio Felluga Colli Orientali del Friuli Sauvignon - Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Colli Orientali del Friuli (5/9/2019)
  Ripe gooseberry, a bit of cats piss. Very boisterous - more like a NZ savvy b. Quite fresh and gluggable. (87 pts.)
• 2017 Luciano Sandrone Dolcetto d'Alba - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Dolcetto d'Alba (5/9/2019)
  Bright vibrant purple. Fresh nose of purple lollies, blackberries and just a hint of spices. This carries through to a juicy, moreish palate with ripe purple berries followed by surprisingly firm, furry tannin at the close. Delicious, cracking value at under 12 euros. (87 pts.)
• 2017 Domaine des 3 Cellier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Alchimie - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (5/9/2019)
  This is a blend of Clairette Blanche 70%, Grenache Blanc 20%, Bourboulenc 5%, and Roussane 5%. Apparently only around 80 cases were produced. Fermentation and maturation all in stainless steel.
  
  Pale yellow in the glass. Slightly savoury nose with a mix of fruit salad, dried herb, a touch of grapefruit. Medium bodied palate finishing a little broad and oily. Nice balance. Should age well over another 2-3 years.
• 2002 Jacob's Creek Riesling Steingarten - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Eden Valley (5/4/2019)
  Benchmark Australian Riesling. Yellow in the glass. Vibrant nose of cut lime, nasturtium, toast, lime marmalade and just a faint hint of petrol but very mild. Fresh acidity on the palate with just a touch of honeyed development on the mid palate. Screw cap makes a huge difference of course. No rush to drink. (94 pts.)
• 2002 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra (5/4/2019)
  No formal notes- from a wine dinner. Lovely cool Cabernet, Black currant, austere restraint. Good structure. This should continue to unfold for at least another 10 years cork permitting. (93 pts.)
• 2009 Rockford Rod & Spur - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (5/4/2019)
  No formal note- from a wine dinner. Lovely rustic mid bodied Barossa red. Gentle dusty red berries. Nice balance. Drink now to 5 years, hopefully. (92 pts.)
• 2011 Rockford Cabernet Sauvignon Rifle Range - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (5/4/2019)
  Mid bodied. Red fruit. Classic Rockford style. Perhaps a touch of greenness. Probably a drink sooner proposition but quite nice. (88 pts.)
• 2009 Giorgio Pelissero Barbaresco Tulin - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco (5/4/2019)
  Unfortunately very corked! NR (flawed)
• 2011 Helm Riesling Classic Dry - Australia, New South Wales, Southern New South Wales, Canberra District (5/2/2019)
  Clear yellow, still flecked with green. Toast, lime marmalade and cut citrus on the nose. Balanced palate, clean citrus and good acid line. Many years of drinking ahead of it, especially under screw cap. (93 pts.)
• 2006 Mount Langi Ghiran Shiraz Cliff Edge - Australia, Victoria, Western Victoria, Grampians (5/2/2019)
  Rich nose. Ripe stewed plums, plus a hint of green. Some Christmas spice. Cool climate but could almost mistake for warmer given the warmth. Balanced palate. Some tertiary development but still quite clean. Tremendous value for what I paid (about 15 aussie dollarydoos). (92 pts.)
• 2012 Henschke Pinot Noir Giles Lenswood - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Lenswood (5/2/2019)
  Mid red. Still bright but some separation. Red berries, cherry, and spice dominate the nose along with some sappy/stalky notes. Obviously Pinot, but lacking any real complexity. Quite light and simple on the palate. No rush to drink, but I doubt if this will really improve. Slightly average for the price. (87 pts.)
• 2003 Jim Barry Shiraz The Lodge Hill - Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Clare Valley (4/26/2019)
  From my cellar since release. No ullage. Perfect cork. The smell is classic Clare valley. Warm dark plums, red earth, just a taste of Oz. The colour is trending to brown, but with a bit of air to clear the funk this is still very intense. Of course new world, but this is just lovely. Drink now. (90 pts.)
• 2017 Ossian Quintaluna - Spain, Castilla y León, Rueda (4/26/2019)
  Bright fruit salad on the nose, crisp on the palate with lingering stone fruit. Tasty. (87 pts.)
• 2008 Bodegas Riojanas Rioja Viña Albina Gran Reserva - Spain, La Rioja, Rioja (4/25/2019)
  Classic semi mature Rioja, lovely bouquet of dusty red berries, leather, cherry and earth. Balanced palate, good acidity. No rush to drink but perfectly delicious now. Excellent value for money. (89 pts.)
• 2015 Telmo Rodríguez Toro Gago - Spain, Castilla y León, Toro (4/24/2019)
  This is a straight Tinta de Toro from Zamora. The wine sees 14 months in a mix of large and small French oak.
  
  Bright, appealing red fruit on the nose. Quite primary, with a hint of purple lollies. Carries through in the mouth, with red berries followed by relatively firm, furry tannin. Good structure and acid. Good value. (89 pts.)
• 2014 Celler Cal Pla Priorat Mas d'en Compte - Spain, Catalunya, Priorat (4/23/2019)
  This is made up of Cariñena (50%) from vines more than 60 years old, Garnacha (40%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) from vines around 15 years old. It is aged for 14 months in new and semi-new French (90%) and American oak barrels.
  
  Deep red colour. On day 1 this opens a bit rustic and barnyardy, but this blows off with air. Dusty red fruit, cherry cola- really quite primary still after the initial dust clears. Sweet fruit on opening, lovely balance and gentle furry tannin. Lovely drinking, should be good for at least the next few years. (90 pts.)
• 2017 Pierre Gaillard St. Péray - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Péray (4/23/2019)
  Nice crystalline parity of fruit, good acid balance. Delicious drinking. (89 pts.)
• 2016 Oliviere Rivière Vinos Rioja Las Vinas de Eusebio - Spain, La Rioja, Rioja (4/21/2019)
  Modern style Rioja with good depth of flavour. Needs time. (91 pts.)
• 2017 G.D. Vajra Dolcetto d'Alba - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Dolcetto d'Alba (4/19/2019)
  Sweet, balanced purple fruits and florals. Delicious. Great value. (87 pts.)
• 2014 Albino Rocca Barbaresco - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco (4/17/2019)
  Mid red trending a bit even to brown perhaps, little surprising. Quite a soft wine on both the nose and the initial palate, although finishing with a typical wall of fuzzy tannin. Red fruits and vanilla on the flavour spectrum. Some herbal notes as well. Holds well over four days open, suggesting time to drink- although I can’t say it unfurled greatly. Perhaps best sooner than later or perhaps needing a few more years to show its best. (90 pts.)
• 2015 Bodega Numanthia Toro Termes - Spain, Castilla y León, Toro (4/17/2019)
  Mid red in the glass. Easy appeal on the nose, with gobs of red fruit, lolly-esque red florals and also some darker notes of charcuterie. Sweet entry in the mouth, finishing long and even with smooth tannins. Tasty drop, not sure the value (rarely this seems to have been more expensive from Spain than others have paid in the US). Will age fine for at least 5 years. (88 pts.)
• 2016 Albino Rocca Barbera d'Alba - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba (4/16/2019)
  Sweet, simple but balanced red/purple fruits. Nice balance. Excellent value. (87 pts.)
• 2014 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Château d'Ampuis - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie (4/14/2019)
  Made from old vines with average 50 years age, adjacent to the LaLa vineyards, this is around 93% Syrah and 7% Viognier. It sees quite a lot of oak and this is clear on the nose which is very spicy with a lot of black pepper and also some appealing purple floral notes. The palate is quite fresh and clean, with great definition and a juicy finish with even tannin. Probably needs at least another 2-3 years to start showing its best. (93 pts.)
• 2012 First Drop Jr. Gantos - Quinta do Sul - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (4/13/2019)
  As described by the much esteemed Linda, this light and fruity mclaren vale is only surprising in that it is not in anyway boisterous, rough, or over the top. The biggest surprise is that the 10% toriga has had such a big impact on the wine. Full of fruit but with enough balance from the oak to give a degree of sophistication. Matchs well with a toasted cheese and vegimite sandwich
• 2012 Torre de Oña Rioja Reserva Martelo - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja (4/12/2019)
  Mid red trending a bit towards brown. Deep classic Rioja nose with leather, dusky red berries, and a distinct oaky note from ageing in French and American oak. Reminiscent of La Rioja Alta in the lifted varnish on the nose. Sweet red fruits on the palate, nice medium bodied finish with lingering hints of undergrowth. Great value. Drink sooner than later I would suggest. (88 pts.)
• 2016 Maquina & Tabla Toro El Oso - Spain, Castilla y León, Toro (4/11/2019)
  Serious packaging despite the small price- intriguing label, heavy bottle with deep punt, quality cork and to top it off a wax capsule. This is 100% Garnacha Tinta from Toro, but I cannot find out much else about it.
  
  Proper juice inside the bottle too- mid-red in the glass this has a lovely juicy nose of frisky red berries, spice and some floral components. Good depth on the palate, nice fleshy red fruit and a good line of acidity. Balanced and moreish. Cracking value. (92 pts.)
• 2016 Bodegas Peñafiel Ribera del Duero Miros Roble - Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero (4/10/2019)
  Simple, fruit forward red with decent balance. Good easy drinking wine. (86 pts.)
• 2012 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Petite Chapelle - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage (3/31/2019)
  Sweetly fruited on the nose, lovely depth of plummy character. Nice balance in the mouth, lingering finish. No rush to drink- should unfold for at least another 5 years. (93 pts.)
• 2017 Pierre Gaillard Condrieu l'octroi - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Condrieu (3/31/2019)
  Mid yellow colour. Classic typical nose with abundant ripe apricot. Mid weight palate entry, quite limpid and without any detracting Viognier phenolic grip. Lingering finish. Very nice wine, question if it’s worth the price premium over their standard label. (93 pts.)
• 2017 Vignobles Mayard Châteauneuf-du-Pape Clos du Calvaire - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (3/31/2019)
  This is a mix of Grenache, Syrah and cinsault. It sees gentle pressing and no oak. Sweet grenache fruit dominates the nose, lots of pretty purple lollies and floral notes. The palate carries this through- finishing with crowd pleasing red fruits and soft tannins. Slightly simple would be the only criticism. (88 pts.)
• 2010 Peter Lehmann Sémillon Margaret - Australia, South Australia, Barossa (3/29/2019)
  Glowing yellow with flecks of green. Classic sémillon nose- citrus, honeysuckle, a bit of oily lanolin. Enters with quite angular, sharp acidity. A wall of citrus, finishing quite juicy and clean. Drinking well but I suspect another 10 years will see further evolution. (90 pts.)
• 2016 Vietti Barbera d'Alba Tre Vigne - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba (3/26/2019)
  Beautifully soft, fragrant and plushly sweet fruited. Impeccably made entry level Barbera with wonderful balance to its soft fruit profile and good acidity. So drinkable, a simple pleasure. (89 pts.)
• 2016 Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve - South Africa, Coastal Region, Cape Peninsula, Constantia (3/25/2019)
  This is 75% sémillon and 25% Sauvignon blanc. It sees 50% new oak and 100% sees some wood. Bottled under cork, 12.5% abv.
  
  Mid yellow but flecked with green. Complex but perhaps a little unbalanced on the nose. Tart citrus, orange peel, and an oily lanolin character. Distinct oak influence which eases off over a day or so open. To me the oak combined with a grassy, gooseberry note slightly detracts. Fresh entry on the palate followed by a lingering, slightly oily finish with hints of white stone fruit and good acidity. I’d be curious to see how this evolves in 2-3 more years. (87 pts.)
• 2017 Renato Ratti Dolcetto d'Alba Colombe - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Dolcetto d'Alba (3/21/2019)
  Vibrant purple colour and purple, slightly confected fruit on the nose. Purple lollies, plums, lifted yeasty notes. Clean, balanced but sweetly fruited on the palate. Lovely, simple drinking. (89 pts.)
• 2015 P. L et J-F Bersan Bourgogne Blanc - France, Burgundy, Côtes d'Auxerre, Bourgogne Blanc (3/21/2019)
  Glowing green/yellow. Tart nose with grapefruit pith, a touch of cut grass and fresh citrus. Slightly limpid palate entry but reasonably zippy behind that. Good crisp but generic citrus flavours. Cracking value. (87 pts.)
• 2016 Pierre Gaillard St. Joseph Blanc - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Joseph (3/18/2019)
  Quite yellow colour for the age. Ripe honeysuckle and apricot on the nose. Alluring in a fairly rich way. Perhaps just a bit fatter and more oily than the 2017. By the second day the palate has unwound and lost a bit of fruit definition, suggesting perhaps less potential for development from here. (88 pts.)
• 2015 Pierre Gaillard St. Joseph Blanc - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Joseph (3/18/2019)
  Basically oxidised. No obvious cork taint. Perhaps heat affected? NR (flawed)
• 2017 Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso - Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri (3/17/2019)
  Vibrant blackberry on the nose, quite ripe and sweet. Fresh red berries and plush tannin in the mouth. Quite simple but pleasant mid week drinking. Perhaps a bit more forward and sweetly fruited than some vintages. (86 pts.)
• 2016 M. Chapoutier Côtes du Roussillon Villages Latour Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Côtes du Roussillon Villages Latour (3/15/2019)
  Rich, vibrant wine, with good purity of fruit and lovely depth of flavour. Sweet mulberry and plum on the nose, followed by bright sweet red fruit on the palate. Plush mouthfeel. Sensational value. Perfectly drinkable now, though I am sure this will age if not necessarily improve radically over a period up to 5+ years. (88 pts.)
• 2017 Domaine du Clos des Fées Les Sorcières - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Côtes du Roussillon (3/15/2019)
  Good bright colour. Fresh nose of raspberry and purple lollies. Sweet red fruits and confection on the mouth. Relatively short, slightly candied finish. No noticeable tannin structure. Delicious drinking and good value, but a drink now proposition. (87 pts.)
• 2014 Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Vaudésir - France, Burgundy, Chablis, Chablis Grand Cru (3/12/2019)
  Very pale yellow in the glass. Extremely youthful, pure and crystalline nose. Loads of white nectarine, citrus and hints of cashew. A mouth watering saline element appears as well. In the palate this shows brisk acidity with good length and lashings of tart citrus and white fruit. Excellent drinking and on this form should see a good few years more. (93 pts.)

Posted from [url=https://www.cellartracker.com/]CellarTracker[/url]

[Ozzie W]

Nice note Ozzie, thanks.

I've has the pleasure of visiting Best's and was served by Viv Thompson at cellar door. When he heard that we were from Edmonton, Canada he said it was one of his major markets. He said he would be there later in the year and when we left presented us with a bottle of the 1997 Pinot Munier.

When he came to Edmonton we made sure to attend the wine dinner hosted by a local wine merchant in an Italian restaurant where he presented the 1998 vintage. Both the Bin 0 Shiraz and Cabernet were impressive as was his St Andrews Muscat. I still have the pinot munier and ponder about when to open it. Any ideas?

I reckon your 1997 Pinot Meunier will be good to go now. Best's suggest a 20 year cellaring period on the back label to reveal additional complexities. From what I recall of your posts, you enjoy your wines with "a lot" of age on them, so a few more years of cellaring may be more your style.

[phillisc]

Sam, thanks for the note on the Steingarten...might just have to open one

Cheers craig

[Mahmoud Ali]

Tuesday and Wednesday saw these wines opened, one a young and fresh Vouvray and the other a follow up to my Monday southern Italian primitive/zinfandel, this time a Negro Amaro and Malvesia Nera blend also from Apulia.

Candido&Champalou.jpg

The 2017 Champalou Vouvray (12.5%) was fresh and crystalline, and perhaps too young to accompany the salmon fillets. I also think it needs to put on weight.
Meanwhile the 1998 Candido Salice Salentino Rosso Riserva (13.5%) was a far better match with chicken legs simmered in crushed tomatoes, paprika and oregano. Once again, fearing decrepitude, I poured this relatively old wine into a large decanter only moments before serving. Six hours later, the last pour turned out to be the best. With a bricking colour leading towards a terracotta rim, this has a perfumed nose of black cherry, a bitterness, and hints of a powdered spice I cannot put my finger on. The palate is lighter, a fleshy, fresh strawberry pulp attack quickly followed by a dry, herbal quality and a slightly bitter finish. With airing this has developed into a sipping wine that needs no food, the acidity and astringency playing off each other.

I could drink this all night but of course it's too late and after this last glass I will have to satisfy myself with the dregs from the bottle.

Mahmoud.